Whiter-Skin Ad Campaign Spurs Debate Among Thais

BANGKOK—An ad campaign for a skin-whitening product in Thailand has sparked a debate over whether having lighter skin leads to better-paying jobs and higher social status in the Southeast Asian country.

Social media sites were filled with messages that explored the role of skin color in Thai society following a recent ad campaign by Unilever's Thailand operation for its Citra Pearly White UV Body Lotion.